If you’re into your board games, you’ll be chuffed to hear that there’s a tabletop gaming festival coming to Manchester where you can roll dice, role-play and roll up your sleeves for a proper old-school sweaty gaming session.
Ah, those were the days, and we’re determined to relive them as often as we can.
Set up by local tabletop meeting organisers Dungeons and Flagons, who have various events taking place at different locations all around Greater Manchester each and every month, the ‘Tabletop Weekender’ next month is set to be their biggest event to date.
Taking place in the first weekend of February, visitors can expect hours upon hours of board game fun, with tickets available for both days of the full weekend if you really want to put some tabletop time in.
The Dungeons and Flagons brand has slowly but steadily been building a pretty big cult following in and around Manchester, with regular meetings amongst fellow board game fans almost every night of the week at multiple venues in the city centre and beyond.
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While this is by no means the first festival like this, they’re hoping to kick off 2024 with a bang by making this the biggest and best Weekender yet.
And when we say this is an all-dayer, we mean it: the fun starts from 10am and runs all the way until 10pm on Saturday, as well 10am-8pm on Sunday, there’ll never be a lull in the festivities.
Sponsored by industry brands Hachette Boardgames UK, Zatu Games and Chaosium Inc., you can expect raffles and giveaways, a traders row to buy and sell; bingo, pub quizzes and other activities, not to mention more cosplay and game choices than possible moves in a game of Warhammer.
They always have plenty of cards up there sleeves too. Not literally — that would be cheating.
But, seriously, the 18+ afterparties once the games have included everything from standup and live magic to karaoke, horror film screenings and party games galore.
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It’s the biggest board game festival and gathering of tabletop players anywhere in Greater Manchester.
With games like straightforward Dungeons and Dragons and ‘Puzzle Parlour’ jigsaw sessions, to the Honey Heist RPG, the ominously named ‘Blood on the Clocktower’ and so many more choices, you can turn up and book on to so many different kids of games or just go with the flow.
Taking place in the Manchester Metropolitan University‘s Student Union over the first weekend of next month, this fun and family-friendly event isn’t just for those who are used to playing board games; the Tabletop Weekender is the perfect opportunity to give the genre a try if you’ve ever been curious.
If you fancy rolling the dice on it, you can grab your tickets HERE and there will be a small amount available to buy on the door across both days.
Hope you catch a few of you there!
One of the most welcoming communities you’ll ever come across. Give it a try.
New CGIs released of Hilton’s fancy 144-bedroom hotel in Wigan town centre
Emily Sergeant
Some new CGIs have given us a sneak peak inside Hilton’s fancy 144-bedroom hotel soon to open in Wigan town centre.
In case this is the first you’re hearing of the development, Wigan Council announced back in March 2024 in collaboration with its development partner Cityheart that it had signed a franchise agreement with world-renowned hotel brand, Hilton, for a stunning six-storey Hampton by Hilton hotel pop up right in the heart of Wigan town centre, just off Market Street.
The new venture forms part of the Greater Manchester town’s £135 million redevelopment of the former Galleries Shopping Centre – which was approved in July 2023.
The hotel will be located directly-opposite the bus station entrance of New Market Street, and is within 500 yards of both town centre train stations.
It’s being called ‘one of the most important elements’ of the Galleries masterplan.
New CGIs have been released of Hilton’s fancy 144-bedroom hotel in Wigan town centre / Credit: Supplied
As well as the 144 bedrooms – with ‘accessible’ rooms to be built on each accommodation level – the new hotel will also house a gym overlooking the new square, a main reception area and dining space on the ground floor, meeting and conference rooms, and secure parking will be available for guests.
Dozens of staff are expected to be employed at the new hotel – which the Council says will provide a range of job opportunities for local residents.
Once complete, the hotel will form part of the exciting new town centre neighbourhood providing a new Market Hall and food court, more than 400 homes, bars, restaurants, and leisure uses, all designed to celebrate Wigan’s proud heritage and unique identity.
The new venture forms part of the Greater Manchester town’s £135 million redevelopment / Credit: Supplied
“It’s great to see the progress of this exciting Hampton by Hilton development, which not only plays a role in Wigan’s regeneration, but continues to strengthen our footprint in the North West,” commented Paul Blackmore, who is the Vice President of Development at Hilton UK & Ireland, as the CGIs were released this week.
“The ambition shown by Wigan Council and Cityheart to create a dynamic new hub for retail, leisure, business and living truly resonated with us, and we look forward to welcoming guests when the hotel opens in late 2027.”
Construction work will start on site in October 2025, with an expected opening of the new hotel in winter 2027.
Featured Image – Supplied
What's On
Trafford Centre reveals Halloween events lineup with ‘nerve-shredding’ rides, creepy crafts, and more
Emily Sergeant
Spooky season is nearly upon us, and the Trafford Centre has now announced its lineup of Halloween activities to get stuck into.
With not long to go until schools across Greater Manchester break up for half term, and with Halloween within touching distance, the major shopping centre has revealed an exciting collection of events that’ll be happening over the next couple of weeks – and there’s activities for people of all ages.
From creepy crafts, to hair-raising rides and eerie evening entertainment, there’s something for every brave soul.
Back by popular demand from 25 October is the Halloween Fair, which will pop up outside The Great Hall featuring nerve-shredding rides, a spine-tingling atmosphere, carnival vibes, and loads more, right through until 2 November.
Brand new for 2025 is Fright Night at the fair, which is a truly immersive scare experience for daring teens and adults.
The Trafford Centre has revealed its Halloween events lineup for 2025 / Credit: Supplied
Fright Night will bring three evenings of pure horror from 30 October – 1 November, as creepy characters roam the fairground once the sun’s gone down.
For families wanting half term fun but looking for a gentler kind of magic, there’s a chance to join characters Wanda Web and Jack O’Lantern for some creepy crafts like relaxing pumpkin decorating, eerie face painting, and making your own witches and wizards hats to take home.
The legendary Big Wheel will also be returning for the festive season so you can ascend into the misty night sky high above the Trafford Centre for eerie nighttime views.
And to top it all off, Gandeys will be bringing back the fan-favourite ‘Spooktacular’ for 2025.
There’ll be ‘nerve-shredding’ rides, creepy crafts, and loads more to get involved with / Credit: Trafford Centre
“Halloween is one of the most exciting times of year for us at Trafford Centre, and this year’s lineup is bigger and better than ever,” commented Simon Layton, who is the Centre Director at Trafford Centre.
“From spine-chilling rides and late-night scares to pumpkin painting for the little ones, we’ve created an experience that everyone can enjoy. We can’t wait to welcome families, friends and thrill-seekers alike for a Halloween celebration like no other.”
Danny Jones -
19th January 2024 
